Why your jaw protrudes with old dentures

I have been wearing my current dentures 10 years. Why does my lower jaw

Image provided by Swiss Denture Center in Portland, OR

protrude?

As your back teeth wear down, your lower jaw has tendency to come forward. This is a sure sign it’s time for new dentures. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your dentures every 5 to 7 years.

If your bite is “Class 1,” or normal, having new dentures made will correct this problem. However, some people are born with this jaw relationship called a “Class 3” bite, where the chin and lower lip protrude. We can make some improvements cosmetically by setting teeth in a way which softens the appearance of an under-bite.

If an under-bite is too great, we may choose to make a “treatment” lower denture, which gradually allows your jaw to get accustomed to the difference in height.